Wusik has released WusikGrooveBox, a drum-machine and groove-box solution, based on the same audio-engine as Wusikstation, with WusikSND support and all the Wusikstation effects.

WusikGrooveBox features

• VSTi Synth based on the WusikEngine: 6 single Osc Layers, each layer with its own set of Filters and EQs.
• Extra options for the WusikSND format: Stereo-Pan (for mono sounds) and Choke-groups. This is accessible via the sample-editor and used only by the WusikGrooveBox.
• 8 Sequences on the screen, with a two-page-selector for a total of 16 Sequences.
• Each Sequence has 16 steps on the screen. Each step can be a drum-trigger and note-sequence. (each Sequence has an option of Drum or Note steps) A total of 64 steps can be set for each pattern, by using multiple 16-step windows.
• 8 Banks of 8 Patterns for a total of 64 Patterns per instance.
• Song mode, where you put the order of the patterns to be played. With option to Repeat Patterns and Loop the whole Song.
• Option to Sync the Clock External or Internally. (with the External Sync ON the sequence will follow the Hosts Transport Time, Position, Start and Stop)
• Each pattern has its own resolution: 1/16 or 1/32
• Each pattern has its own number of steps. To allow the creation of uneven patterns. Up to 64 Steps.
• Each Step has an option of 8 levels of Velocity (volume). This is optional, you can also use the Accent Part instead. For easier and quicker groove creation.
• A 9th Sequence on the screen, that holds the ACCENT sequence. This is OPTIONAL, as you can also set the volume of each Step manually. Or you can use this global ACCENT (volume) setting that will affect all sequences.
• Each Step has a SHIFT option, so you can add early/late steps directly without having to change the resolution (internally all steps are based on a 1/128 resolution).
• Each Step has FLAM option.
• Each Step has a Slide and Note-Off option, for complex Bass/Synth lines.
• Global Swing option.
• You can control the steps by using the Mouse, PC or MIDI keyboard.
• You can trigger patterns remotely by using the MIDI keyboard. With 3 modes: Off, Instant and Delayed.
• Global BPM Tempo or Per-Pattern Tempos. So you can do tempo changes on a Song.

WusikGrooveBox is available for Windows PC for $49.95 USD ($29.95 for a crossgrade) and two demo versions are available for download. Owners of both WusikGrooveBox and Wusikstation V5 can request a special Wusikstation Gbox version that has WusikGrooveBox integrated.

Visit Wusik for more information and audio demos.

C. Hackl has released four new VST instruments for Windows.

New VST instruments

• Stereo Steinway Piano II, a rompler plug-in featuring 96Khz/24bit samples of a Steinway piano (improved CPU since v1). Cost: ~$15 USD.
• PlatinumX, a synth with 3 wavemixer, 2 Osc, reverb, voice settings, portamento and MIDI CC knobs. Cost: ~$25 USD.
• DrumTable, a simple wave sample drum with a distortion effect and preset manager. Freeware.
• TMP-Sounder, synth that works with a TMP-array function. You can select the quality of the Array performance to minimize CPU usuage. Freeware.

Visit C. Hackl for more information.

NUSofting has launced SMPlugins, a website featuring commercial VST plugins produced using SynthMaker.

Marimka and Acidome, two plug-ins previously available from NUSofting, are now available from SMPlugins.

SMPlugins also introduces version 2.0 of virtual synthesizer Acidome, which now features waveform morphing, and a third plug-in is in the works.

Open Guitar is an acoustic guitar emulation, designed for accurate emulation of the beautiful sound of arpeggiated guitar chords in the first position of the fretboard (hence the “open” strings sound).

Open Guitar can just do strums and arpeggios of an acoustic guitar, but it is customizable with the Soundbox with EQ controls. Notes range is from D1 to C4. Open Guitar sound synthesis is created using single note samples and DSP filters. So it’s not a loop player, it’s a true instrument which can play any sequence you want. MIDI files are included as example of accurate guitar sequencing. The “hammer on” and “pull off” techniques are possible.

Open Guitar will be available as a VST instrument for Windows PC for $35 USD.

Visit SMPlugins for more information and audio demos.

CineSamples has announced Drums Of War, a European style war drums library for Kontakt and EXS24.

Drums Of War features

• Nils Liberg’s new “Truly Random Round Robin” (Kontakt Only).
• For ensemble style patches multiple percussionists were recorded simultaneously instead of combined later (excluding “War Ensemble” which was designed to be a quick fix kitchen sink type patch).
• Open Sample Format Programming.
• “Sub Boomz” designed especially for theatrical sub woofer hits (Use Caution Monitoring!).
• Patches: War Ensemble, Titan Ensemble, Sacrificial Offering, Hells Deep, Earth Mover, Barbarian Siege, Ceremonial Skull Hammer, Combat Drum, Battle Drum, Ancient Torture Drum, Army of Doom, This is Spartaaa, Sub Boomz, Mammoth Calls and DRUMS OF WAR - Multi (Kontakt Only)

Drums Of War will be available is two versions for the following introductory prices:

1. 48k/24Bit = 1.1 GB = $99
2. 96k/24Bit = 2.2 GB = $129

Visit CineSamples for some audio demos.